Sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer: The experience of the N.N. Petrov research institute of oncology

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate a 3-year distant treatment outcomes of patients with early breast cancer who had undergone sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods. A total of 681 patients with early cTl-2N0M0 breast cancer treated in the N.N. Petrov research institute of oncology form 2012 till 2016 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Radioisotopes were used to identify sentinel nodes. In case a macrometastatic lesion was found (>2mm) ALND was performed. Subsequent adequate systemic treatment and radiotherapy were administered in accordance with the pTNM status, biologic subtype and age. Results. A 3-year overall survival equaled 99.3% (SE 0.4%), recurrence-free survival was 99.2% (SE 0.4%). Survival of patients without nodal involvement reached 100%, whereas for patients with metastatic nodes it was 97.4% (SE 1.8%). The threshold for the number of the affected nodes significantly influencing survival equaled 1 (p=0,0187). Overall survival of patients with 0 to 1 positive lymph nodes was 99.7% (SE 0.3%), with more than 1 node involved - 95.7% (SE 0.3%) (p=0,00444). Conclusion. Overall 3-year survival of patients with early breast cancer approaches 100%. Sentinel lymph node biopsy allows avoiding unnecessary and traumatizing axillary dissection and improves the quality of life.